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The head executive of Exmo Bitcoin exchange Pavel Lerner has reportedly been kidnapped on the streets of Kyiv. His company, which focuses on trading cryptocurrencies in east Europe, says it is still operating normally.

Prominent cryptocurrency specialist Pavel Lerner was seized by masked men near his office in Kyiv this week, according to Russian and Ukrainian media. The men forced Lerner into a Mercedes Benz van and drove away around lunchtime Tuesday, reported the Ukrainian Strana.ua website, citing a female acquaintance of Lerner's.

The acquaintance also said the perpetrators wore dark clothes and balaclavas.

The 40-year-old Lerner is an expert on Blockchain technology which allows cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to operate. He is also the head of Exmo exchange, which trades Bitcoin and other digital currencies against traditional currencies like the US dollar, the euro, or Russia's ruble. Lerner's company is registered in the UK, but mostly focuses on the Eastern European market.

Citing sources within the Ukrainian security forces, Strana.ua reports that the authorities have opened an investigation into the apparent kidnapping.

Lerner was born in Russia and holds Russian citizenship. He has been living in Spain with his family since 2014. He was reportedly in Ukraine to oversee a series of start-ups related to Blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies.